5 questions about the Cavaliers-Celtics series

Will LeBron find plenty of elbow room?

Let's face it. This series comes down to LeBron James. If he's at his best, the Cavs should be too good for the aging Celtics. But if his right elbow is bothering him, all bets are off. Boston's back-line defense is strong enough to keep him from getting to the basket at will, at least in a halfcourt offense. LeBron will have to make jumpers, not to mention shoot his free throws right-handed. -- John Galinsky, FOXSports.com NBA editorGame 1: Celtics at Cavaliers, 8 p.m. / More NBA coverage

Is Shaq ready to make himself useful?

After last year's playoff failure, the Cavs acquired Shaquille O'Neal to better handle the big bodies and physical play of the postseason.That move will be judged entirely on what Shaq does in the next 2-6 weeks. Coming off a long injury break, he made little impact in the first round against the Bulls. But that wasn't necessary. Against the Celtics, he'll need to bang with Kendrick Perkins and Kevin Garnett, and only after that can he start thinking about the Magic and Lakers, the teams he really wants to face.Game 1: Celtics at Cavaliers, 8 p.m. / More NBA coverage

Can Rondo control the tempo?

While most of the Celtics have aged badly since winning the title in 2008, Rajon Rondo has blossomed into one of the league's best point guards. Although he's a lousy shooter, he's a defensive pest, an unselfish distributor, an aggressive rebounder and a feisty competitor. He'll need to make good decisions in this series about when to attack the basket or involve his teammates on offense, and when to help on LeBron James or stick with Mo Williams on defense.Game 1: Celtics at Cavaliers, 8 p.m. / More NBA coverage

Will the language be suitable for children?

We already know the answer to that: No. The Celtics are the most foul-mouthed, trash-talking team in the league. The Cavs don't back down from a verbal challenge. And as Cleveland guard Mo Williams says, "They don't like us, we don't like them." The series will be full of salty language, hard fouls and alpha-dog antics. Kevin Garnett won't shut up until it's all over.Game 1: Celtics at Cavaliers, 8 p.m. / More NBA coverage

Can Ray Allen shoot down the Cavs?

When the teams last met on Easter Sunday, Allen torched Cleveland for 33 points. He also had a strong first-round series against the Heat, making 53 percent of his 3-pointers, and has regressed less than fellow Big Three members Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. If he's hot, the Celtics have a chance. It'll be up to Delonte West and Anthony Parker to chase Allen around screens and force him to drive rather than rain threes.Game 1: Celtics at Cavaliers, 8 p.m. / More NBA coverage